Finding the Balance with Loni and Christine
Loni and Christine are physician assistants (PA) with backgrounds in Emergency Medicine and Primary Care who currently work as professors in higher education. Loni, seeing the end of the wellness line in the ER, and Christine, trying to prevent it in the office, have joined forces in discussing the topics of disease prevention and what it means to be well. Far beyond the bounds of a medical office, we are passionate about improving health literacy and increasing awareness of the daily changes we can make to maximize the quality of our lives. Finding the balance between the "coulds," "shoulds," and "woulds" of life is a quest worth embarking on. We do not have all the answers, but life is about the journey, and we look forward to sharing ours with you.
Contact us at: loniandchristine@gmail.com
Episodes
51 episodes
Episode 51: From Textbook to Treatment: Answering Your Questions
In this episode, we dive into questions submitted by one of our PA students — sparking an honest conversation about life in clinical practice. We share some of our own experiences working as PAs, reflect on lessons learned along the way, and di...
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Season 3
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Episode 51
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48:50
Episode 50: Science vs. Marketing: The Creatine Conversation That Got Real
What started as a conversation about creatine supplements turned into a deeper dive into the world of supplement overload and information fatigue. In this episode, we unpack how marketing often outpaces actual science, why it’s so easy to feel ...
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Season 3
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Episode 50
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46:54
Episode 49: Tylenol, Autism and the Overwhelming Noise
This week, we dive into the recent headlines linking Tylenol (acetaminophen) and autism - what the science says, what it doesn't, and why stories like these so often grab attention. Beyond the specifics of this story, we talk about the bigger c...
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Season 3
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Episode 49
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52:16
Episode 48: Correlation vs. Causation: Untangling the Evidence
We’ve all heard the phrase, “correlation does not equal causation,” but what does that really mean in practice? In this episode, we break down one of the most fundamental concepts in critical thinking, research, and clinical decision-making: th...
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Season 3
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Episode 48
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33:45
Episode 47: How We Learn: Theories and Strategies in PA Education
In this episode, we dive into the science of how learning happens—and how that science applies to the unique challenges of PA education. We explore key learning and development theories, from Bloom’s Taxonomy to Conscious Competence and the Dre...
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Season 2
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Episode 47
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42:13
Episode 46: In Between Seasons: Navigating Life Transitions
Transitions—whether chosen or unexpected—are some of the most challenging and transformative periods in life. In this episode, we explore what it means to be in the “in-between,” when one chapter has closed and the next hasn’t fully begun. From...
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Season 2
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Episode 46
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37:31
Episode 45: Finding Your Fit: Choosing Your PA Path
In this episode, we dive into one of the most personal and pivotal decisions every PA student faces—choosing a clinical career path. From emergency medicine to family practice, surgery to psychiatry, each rotation offers a glimpse into what you...
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Season 2
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Episode 45
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41:32
Episode 44: Fiber Facts: Why Roughage Really Matters
In this episode, we break down the buzz around dietary fiber—what it is, why it's essential, and how it affects everything from your gut health to your cholesterol levels. We'll explore the difference between soluble and insoluble fiber, common...
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Season 2
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Episode 44
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34:09
Episode 43: The Commencement Speech We’d Give
If we were asked to deliver a commencement speech, what would we say? In this reflective episode, we step up to the podium and imagine addressing a graduating class—sharing thoughts on achievement, growth, and what it really means to move forwa...
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Season 2
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Episode 43
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38:19
Episode 42: Making America Healthy Again: Beyond Food Dyes (and an infared update!)
In this episode, we dig into the movement to ban food dyes in the United States — what they are, why some countries have already banned them, and how they might be affecting our health more than we realize. But as always, we take a few detours....
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Season 2
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Episode 42
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54:02
Episode 41: We don't have it all together - Finding Your Balance When Stressed
In this episode, we dive deep into the real challenge of maintaining balance when life feels overwhelming. While wellness advice often sounds simple — breathe, rest, move, stay positive — actually putting it into action during stressful times c...
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Season 2
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Episode 41
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41:57
Episode 40: The Power of Perspective: How Outlook Shapes Outcomes
Can the way we think actually change the way things turn out? In this episode, we dive into the fascinating connection between mindset and results—how your outlook can influence not just how you feel about challenges, but how you perform throug...
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Season 2
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Episode 40
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43:56
Episode 39: The US Healthcare System: Where are we now?
In this episode, we sit down for a candid conversation about the current state of the US healthcare system. From the challenges of navigating insurance and access to care to the ongoing workforce shortages and burnout, we share our frontline pe...
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Season 2
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Episode 39
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48:02
Episode 38: More Than Fight or Flight: Understanding Individual Stress Responses
We’ve all heard of fight or flight, but stress responses go far beyond that. Some people shut down, some take charge, and others people-please their way through a crisis. So why do we all react so differently? In this episode, we explore the co...
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Season 2
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Episode 38
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47:04
Episode 37: Hype versus Science: Exploring Infrared Therapy and Saunas
Are infrared light panels, masks, and saunas the future of wellness—or just another health trend? In this episode, we separate fact from fad, diving into the research behind these popular therapies.We explore how infrared light therapy clai...
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Season 2
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Episode 37
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42:04
Episode 36: Thriving in PA School: Strategies for Success and Avoiding Burnout
PA school is a challenging journey, but with the right mindset and strategies, you can do more than just survive—you can thrive! In this episode, we break down the keys to excelling in your didactic and clinical years, from mastering time manag...
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Season 2
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Episode 36
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53:36
Episode 35: Work Perks: Strategies for Staying Happy and Motivated at Your Job
In this episode, we unpack the secrets behind staying motivated and finding satisfaction at work. What fuels your fire—passion, purpose, or recognition? We break down how motivation works, share tips for staying energized through challenges, an...
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Season 2
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Episode 35
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51:11
Episode 34: Sunlight, Seasonal Blues, and Vitamin D: What Really Helps?
In this episode we dig into the connection between vitamin D and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), examining how reduced sunlight can lead to lower vitamin D levels and mood changes. While many turn to supplements for relief, we explore why th...
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Season 2
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Episode 34
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49:03
Episode 33: Pure Perspectives: Water Quality and Hydration
In this episode, we dive into the essential yet often overlooked topic of water quality and hydration. We explore how the water we drink impacts our health, the differences between tap, filtered, and bottled water, and the hidden contaminants l...
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Season 2
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Episode 33
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51:19
Episode 32: Poop, There It Is: Unlocking the Secrets of the Gut Microbiome
In this episode, we dive into the fascinating (and slightly stinky) world of the gut microbiome - your body's microscopic metropolis of trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes that call your digestive system home. We'll explore how the...
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Season 2
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Episode 32
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45:36
Episode 31: Aging with Grace: Understanding Sarcopenia and How to Combat Muscle Loss
Maintaining strength and mobility becomes essential for a high quality of life as we age. In this episode, we explore sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and function that affects millions worldwide. What causes it? How can we preve...
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Season 2
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Episode 31
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41:18
Episode 30: Success & Failure: Two Sides of the Same Coin
Welcome to season 2!What does it mean to succeed? What does it feel like to fail? In this episode, we dive deep into the interconnected nature of success and failure. We'll explore how these experiences shape our personal growth, challe...
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Season 2
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Episode 30
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51:28
Episode 29: Reflect and Reset: A Year in Review
As the year comes to a close, it's time to pause, reflect, and prepare for what lies ahead. In this episode, we'll thoughtfully reflect on the past year - celebrating our wins, learning from challenges, and identifying key takeaways to guide us...
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Season 1
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Episode 29
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47:06
Episode 28: Who’s on Top? Exploring Social Climbing and Leadership Development
What does it mean to lead, and how does social hierarchy influence leadership identity? In this episode, we explore the ways social structures shape our understanding of authority, power, and influence. From workplaces to social circles, hierar...
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Season 1
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Episode 28
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44:08
Episode 27: Fluoride and Vaccines: Science, Safety, and Controversies
In this episode, we unpack two of the most debated topics in public health: fluoride and vaccines. We delve into the science behind their use, exploring their roles in preventing disease and promoting health and the concerns raised by skeptics....
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Season 1
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Episode 27
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50:05